During a tea ceremony, powdered green tea, or matcha, is prepared using traditional tea utensils. The series of movements and associated ritual, based in Zen Buddhism, help to calm the mind and improve concentration. During the ceremony, silence is maintained, allowing  subtle sounds and nuances of light that are normally overlooked to take center stage. A bowl of matcha prepared and sipped in this setting will have a deeper, richer taste than usual, permeating the entire body.

While chanoyu has its origins in Buddhism and court etiquette, at its heart it is meant to be a gathering of friends enjoying tea together. You don’t have to be a cultural expert to partake in good tea and good company, and this class is a wonderful first experience for those from all walks of life who are curious about tea ceremony.

While tea ceremony is often performed with all of the participants sitting on the floor, this can be hard on the body. Instead, this class is held around a table, to make it easy for everyone to participate and learn about the traditions and history of tea in Japan. Incorporate meditation through chanoyu into your daily routine and aim for a balanced and fulfilling life for both body and mind!

There are no required materials for this class; participants are encouraged to come as they are! Optional class supplies include a tea bowl (a ceramic bowl about 5 inches in diameter) and a kimono, but neither is required; we will have bowls for all students, and all manner of attire is welcome.

Whether you just want to come once to see what it’s about, or want to set off on the road of becoming a Tea Master yourself, this class is the perfect start for your journey through the fascinating world of chanoyu!

Kazari Maki-Zushi is a patterned or decorative sushi that is derived from the several sushi techniques such as Saiku sushi and Futomaki sushi. It is undoubtedly sushi, but the appearance and design of each roll are filled with endless possibilities! A Kazari Maki-Zushi’s design can be anything – flowers, fruit, animals, words and even logos! Whatever your creativeness allows, Kazari Maki-Zushi can be almost anything. Using various natural colors of ingredients you see every day, Kazari Maki-Zushi is a fun way to play around with sushi designs. This food/art form has been developed for over 150 years, and still, new ideas are created everyday in Japan. And it’s even a great way to show off your artistic skills at parties or potlucks!

Although it looks difficult, this decorative sushi is very simple and easy to make! No prior experience is necessary as it involves a different process than creating regular sushi. Making Kazari Maki-Zushi is much like building with Legos, where each piece is stacked to make a picture! 

Kazari Maki-Sushi represents an important unique aspect in Japanese food –  not only in taste, but also in the beautiful visual appearance that serves to please those who enjoy it. Making Kazari Maki-Zushi is also a great way to enjoy company, whether it be friends or family and is especially popular with kids! Even if your homemade Kazari Maki-Zushi isn’t well-prepared, the process of making and seeing your finished pieces on the dining table creates joy for all who see (and eat!) it.

Upcoming Class

• May 7, 2024 | Penguin & Minion

**PLEASE NOTE: The class sign up deadline is 2 days before the class begins. Cancellation after this period will NOT be refunded.**

The bonsai participants will develop and take home are sub-tropical bonsai, so they are perfect for indoor apartment growing! With Julian’s guidance and supervision, students will learn how to prune, shape, maintain and repot their bonsai. Bonsai tools will be available for use during the class.

-Vincent van Gogh

Sumi-e, also called Suibokuga, is the art of ink wash-painting. Characteristically, it is an East Asian art, and has been practiced there for well over a thousand years. Sumi-e depicts the spirit or essence of an object or scene rather than its outward appearance — and does so in the fewest possible strokes. Because of this simplicity, the painter’s character and personality come through in his/her work. In both viewing and creating, Sumi-e is a very contemplative form of painting.

In this class at RESOBOX, a Japanese cultural center in New York, all students will start from the basics of ink-wash painting, such as how to hold a brush. All materials such as ink, brushes, calligraphy paper, etc. will be provided for the students.

Upcoming In-person Class Schedule

Cherry Blossoms and Mount Fuji
Apr 10th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
Apr 16th 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm

Cherry Blossoms and Mount Fuji
May 8th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
May 22nd 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm

Carp Fish
June 5th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
June 19th 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm

Bamboo and Fireflies
July 10th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
July 24th 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Virtual Interactive Japanese Ink Painting Class

If you are looking for a therapeutic time for yourself, or fun activities at home, please join our virtual ink painting Sumi-e class!

Participants are responsible for providing their own supplies below needed for the class. Please contact us if you have any questions:

Cherry Blossoms and Mount Fuji
Apr 13th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Cherry Blossoms and Mount Fuji
May 18th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Carp Fish
June 23rd 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Bamboo and Fireflies
July 28th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

“Ohara school of Ikebana Introductory course”

IKEBANA, one of the most traditional art forms of Japan, represents “Appreciation of Nature” which is a unique and very sophisticated way to learn how to arrange flowers.

In this 4-series small group in-person course, we provide an opportunity for people of all levels to learn the Ohara style Ikebana which is one of the most established Ikebana institutions in the world. Here, you will not only master the basic Ohara Ikebana techniques, but you will also learn how to associate nature into your everyday life. For those who seek to reach a higher level, we will introduce you to the Ohara curriculum and class card system where you can receive certifications from the headquarter in Tokyo.

Upon completion of this course, participants may have the chance to receive an international certification at an additional cost.

Just want to give it a try? Feel free to join us for any single class!

All HANADOJO courses and individual classes provide all the necessary materials including flowers for the practice:

Included Materials:

•       Plate
•       Kenzan
•       Cloth
•       Water
•       Scissors
•       Wire
•       Floral tape
•       Bamboo skewers
•       Flowers

After completing your class, you are welcome to take the flower materials home with you. However, please note that all other equipment must remain at Resobox. If you wish to rearrange the flowers at home, you will need a kenzan (pin frog) priced at $21 and a plate priced at $12. If you would like to purchase them, please inquire with your instructor.

Japanese Plastic Model Kit Building (Formally Gundam Model Building)

The Project Nutype build night team is excited to bring our love of plamo to NYC each month at RESOBOX with our Build nights. Come to learn, come to build or come to meet new people who share a similar interest. No matter why you come to Project NuType build night there will be something for you.

Join the fun of building with the Project NuType team team lead by Tim Martin-Toussaint (@nutypetim formally @gundamnyc). Project NuTypes consists of experienced and extremely enthusiastic builders from all across the galaxy! Introducing our host, Joseph (JD) Availa– experienced builder who takes his understanding of architecture and brings it to his passion for building. Eddie Cruz– rookie builder and fellow host, who is always interested to learn more about the model kit hobby. Phiorella– a huge anime fan and also a new entry in the world of model kit building. Carlo Cabigao– creative director, veteran builder and avid fan of the Gundam series. And last but not least, the extremely talented camera man Albert Torillo– who is also a rookie builder but eager to learn. Stop by and roll-up your sleeves for a fun night of building model kits and building relationships!

About the Instructor

Tim Martin-Toussaint Model Social Media Influencer Tim Martin (GundamNYC) merges a his love for style, plamo, and photography to create an engaging visual Instagram as well as an informative Youtube channel. Be sure to follow him across his different channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube). Facebook Instagram Youtube

September 5th, 2023 | 7:00pm  Shiitake Secrets Volume 1: Building the Perfect Vegan Ramen Bowl Cooking Class

Past Classes

Kazari Maki Zushi Workshop Vol. 22 Penguin & Snowman Sushi | (February 25 | 6:30pm)

Kazari Maki Zushi Vol. 20 Frog & Minion Sushi | (November 20, 2019 | 6:30pm)

Kazari Maki Zushi Vol. 16 Peach Flower and California Roll (April 16, 2019 | 6:30pm)

Kazari Maki Zushi Rainbow and Penguin Rolls (May 21, 2019 | 6:30pm)

Kazari Maki Zushi Halloween Sushi (Pumpkin & Skeleton) (October 11 | 6:30pm)

Japanese Cooking: Holiday Dish Tasting & Bubble Party | (December 15 | 7:00pm)

Vegan Sushi Workshop (November 10, 2019 | 10:00am)

Vegan Sushi Workshop | (June 22, 2019 | 10:30am)

Introduction to Tofu – Vegan Cooking Class (July 20, 2019 | 10:30am)

Cook with Miso to Fuel Your Body and Mind (March 31, 2019 | 11:00am)

Spring Detox: Japanese Vegan Cooking Class using Miso and Tofu (May 18, 2019 | 11:00am)

Vegan Sushi Workshop | (October 20, 2019 | 10:00am)

Dorayaki (Bean Paste Pancake) (March 31, 2019 | 1:30pm)

Tofu Making x Sake Tasting Night (April 21, 2019 | 4:00pm)

Handmade Soba Making Workshop – Learn, Cook, and Eat SOBA! (March 31, 2019 | 4:00pm)

May 8, 2016 | Vegetable Tempura
April 10, 2016 | Advanced Dashi Cooking Class
February 21, 2016 | Dashi: Japanese Soup Stocking Cooking Class
November 22, 2015 | Gyoza: Fry Up Some Fun!
July 19, 2015 | Fillet-O-Fish: Let’s Eat Fish at Home!
June 28, 2015 | Tsukemono: Pickled Everything
May 31, 2015 | Sharpening Knives and Basic Decorative Cutting

Past Workshops with Asako Nonaka

April 11, 2015 | Soba (Japanese Buckwheat Noodles)
March 28, 2015 | Sabamiso (Mackerel Simmered in Miso)
March 8, 2015 | Tofu Mitarashi Dango (Japanese Confectionaries)
February 22, 2015 | Chikuzenni (Braised Chicken and Vegetables)
February 8, 2015 | Dashi (Japanese Soup Stock) and Miso Soup
January 25, 2015 | Eho Maki Sushi Roll
December 14, 2014 | Soba (Japanese Buckwheat Noodles)

Past Workshops with Natsuko Yamawaki 

September 28, 2013 | Discover Shio Koji – Enhance The Taste of Your Food
May 1, 2013 | Japanese Fermented Food – Miso Making Workshop
March 9, 2013 | Discover Amazake! Japanese Health Food Workshop

In Japanese classical dance, the dancer interprets the poetry being sung in addition to dancing along with the music. For instance, if the words of the song say, “It was a very hot day,” the dancer might fan herself to show how hot it is, or if the words refer to a gentle breeze, the dancer’s movements themselves could become the cool breeze. Sometimes the dancer moves or stamps rhythmically to the music, too.

A fan (osensu) helps interpret the poetry by representing many things and illustrating many moods. Fans can be used completely closed, with one rib open, or fully opened.The kimono can be either leotard or costume; even its sleeves are used as part of dance. Myriad small hand props, such as an umbrella (kasa) or hand towel (tenugui), enhance the poetic meaning and the beauty of the scene.

Any dancer can successfully dance the part of a male or female character, since men and women customarily study both male and female styles. Male style is very open, with all energy directed outward – the feet are turned out, and the elbows are held out and away from the body to suggest masculinity and strength. Female style is just the opposite, but equally strong — the feet are turned slightly inward with knees held closely together, arms carried closer to the body, and the movements themselves are smaller, softer, and more feminine.

There are many styles or schools of Japanese classical dance. The style of dance taught at (Resobox or Japanese Cultural Center in New York) is the elegant Sōke Fujima style.